The moment is optimal to switch Man Utd's system - Amorim insists.

Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.

Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.

He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.

While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.

Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.

"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.

"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.

"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.

"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.

"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.

"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."

Squad Challenges Persist

Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.

He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.

"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."

The Captain's Role Endures

However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.

Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.

"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.

"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.

"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."

Return Schedule for Injured Personnel

Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.